The South Coast Air Quality Management District voted 10-1 on Friday to approve the trading of credits earned by smaller polluters to companies and public services seeking to expand operations and emit more pollution.

The federal Clean Air Act allows for the creation of the market allowing such exchanges. Much of the debate about the credit system involved balancing industrial growth with public health.

"We don't have new jobs and yet the population grew, the needs grew, the problems grew. I believe this enables us to have the best of both worlds. It's a good compromise," said board member Miguel Pulido, who voted for the plan.

Before casting the lone opposing vote, member Joseph Lyou said the board was losing sight of a primary obligation to minimize economic impact while maximizing public-health benefits.